History
Pune has a glorious history of nearly 1600 years. Pataleshwar caves (Near JM Road) from 5th century is a evidence for Pune's old settlements. Rashtrakut Kings had built a beautiful temple of Shiva called Punyeshwar, which was unfortunately destroyed during sultan's attack on city in 13th century.
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Since Pune is in the state of Maharashtra, most of the residents are Marathis. The onset of globalization along with the development of the city endeavored by its honorable Corporation has seen an onslaught of populations around the country as well as the globe, with it's International Trade Center developed in late 2007.
Places to Visit
Must See
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum - The museum is housed in a Rajasthani style building situated close to the hustle and bustle of the busy Bajirao Road. It holds a collection of the most fascinating Indian arts and crafts that you would have ever seen. Mastani Mahal which was brought and erected as it was from its original form is a masterpiece amongst it's other exhibits. It has 36 sections which include carved palace and temple doors, 2,000 year old pottery, traditional Indian lamps and 17th century paintings.
Tribal Museum - Located off Koregaon Road to the east of Pune City Stn, this unique museum houses interesting artifacts from the Sahyadri and Gondhwa regions of Maharashtra.
Mahatma Phule Museum - You can see various industrial products, agricultural and handicraft articles in this museum, which was established in 1890. It is situated on Ghole Road, in Shivaji Nagar.
National War Museum - The idea of the National War Memorial was first put forth in 1996. The citizens of Pune, under the sponsorship of the Express Citizens' Forum, set up the War Memorial fund.
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The committee asked the citizens of the city to contribute to the fund. From the ordinary common citizen to the big corporates, everyone decided to contribute whole-heartedly for the museum. The Foundation was laid in November 1997 and inaugurated in October 1998. The memorial is a 25-foot stone pillar.
Shaniwar Waada - This imposing palace was built by the successors of Shivaji, the Peshwas in 1736. A massive fire destroyed the building in 1827. Most of the palace interiors also got destroyed and all that remains is the old fortified wall. But of course the impressive brass studded gates and lotus pools have also withstood the ravages of time.
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This palace is situated in the heart of the city next to Deccan Gymkhana, Shivajinagar, and Laxmi Road. It has become the symbol of Pune culture. There is an impressive 'Light & Sound Show' in three languages (Marathi, Hindi and English) every evening at the wada. It details the history of the Maratha empire and the significance of the Shaniwar wada in that history.
Vishram Bagh Waada - The remains of this majestic palace stand in the heart of the old city. It was built during the 18th century by a descendant of Shivaji the Peshwa. It is well known for its elaborate wooden facade.
Saras Baag - A Ganesh Temple stands in the middle of the garden in lake. It was built by Peshwa Bajirao II.
Aga Khan Palace - This palace boasts of Italianate arches, a gracious building having salons, suites and spacious lawns. The place is a historical landmark. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, the British interned Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi here. A memorial was later erected here, in the memory of Kasturba Gandhi who died in this palace.
Parvati Hill temples - Standing atop this hillock you get a vertical glimpse of Pune. A steep flight of 108 narrow steps leads to the hill top temple built by Balaji Baji Rao. 'Nagarkjana' drum house is the imposing temple of Parvati and Devdeveshwar. This was once the private shrine of the Peshwas. It is also the final resting place of Nana Saheb Peshwa. The Parvati museum houses portraits of Peshwas, old manuscripts, coins etc.
Osho Ashram at Koregaon Park - Famous Ashram which is a prime attraction for Foreign tourists who are enthused with the ideologies of Rajneesh. You can go for a short guided tour of the place by paying a small fee. It is advisable to book one day in advance. There are a lot of meditation options which you can check out on the net.On the road you will find lots of vendors selling footwear, Osho gowns and junk jewellery.
Eating Out
Blue Nile,Camp Serves lip-smacking biryanis and tandoor snacks.
Yana's Sizzlers, Best in City for Sizzlers, located on starting of F.C Road
Chung Fa,East Street,Value for money Chinese food - oldest Chinese restaurant in Pune,excellent chinese sizzlers.
Tc's, An multi-cuisine resto lounge with a sheer difference. awesome ambience and serves everything from tea ,coffee, sheesha to mexican,italian,continental,oriental and indian food.
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Address: G4, millennium plaza, F C road, opp F C.
Arthur's Theme, This small and cosy restaurant serves excellent French food.
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Address: Shop 2, Vrindavan, North Main Rd, Koregaon Park.
Tian Di Krome Mall, Authentic Chinese Cuisine. Excellent food with a menu that spoils you for choice and a fantastic ambience.
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Address: Krome Mall, 6th Floor, Hadapsar
Nandus Parathas - It is a small open air eatery, their Parathas are just out of the world. Do try their garlic chutney and dahi with the parathas and also try their lassi.
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Address: Dhole Patil Road
Nightlife & Recreation
Club Polaris - Club Polaris in Pune is located inside Hotel Taj Blue Diamond in Koregaon Park. The bar is the ideal destination for the young blood to have a gala time. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays you will find jam-packed floors rocking with the mantra of the DJ.
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The pub offers you a total entertainment package in the form of a friendly disc jockey and his wide collection of rocking music. Every night you can come over here to listen to the live music programs and munch on the delicious snacks and other delicacies.
Ten Downing Street Nightclub- Ten Downing Street Nightclub in Pune is situated at Dhole Pati road and is popularly known as TDS. TDS, located on the second floor of one of the popular shopping malls of Pune, is believed to be one of the most fascinating pubs.
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You can get to hear different genres of music throughout the week in this pub. One can try out the different varieties of cocktails while listening to the music in this pub.
1000 Oaks Pub- 1000 Oaks Pub is situated on the east street in the Volga Chowk camp area. The place is popular for its fascinating music and refreshing beer. The visitors are treated to a wide variety of mouth-watering starters and the beverages are absolutely stunning.
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To include yourself in the revelry and lively atmosphere of the pub, you must come after 9 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The amiable atmosphere is informal and is further accentuated by the absence of any dress code
Shopping
Laxmi Road in Pune is, by far, the most popular and happening place to go for shopping. This place is located in the center of the city and is know for its saree shops and jewellery stores. You can check out the stores selling the Pochampalli and the Narayan Peth sarees or check out the silver and the oxidized jewellery sold in the jewellery shops. The shops on this street are open on all days of the week, except on Mondays.
Fashion Street -If you are looking for fashionable goods, then you should definitely go to Fashion Street in Pune. This area houses nearly 448 stalls selling fashionable clothes, accessories, gift items and other articles. In fact, this is the best place to buy leather goods and accessories. This place remains open from 10 in the morning till 9 in the evening
Chor Bazaar (M.G. Road) - where you can get to buy clothes and other lifestyle products.
Bajirao Road - where you can get to buy clothes and other lifestyle products.